Reflecting: Navy Yard Shootings

Hello beautiful readers,

I was originally planning to do a post on some of the new TV shows that I am excited to watch this Fall but as I sat down to write it last night, I couldn't. I just couldn't.

I'm sure many of you in the US and perhaps even abroad heard about the gunman who killed at least 13 people in the US Navy Yard here in Washington, DC. It's crazy because I work in Capitol South, DC which is literally a 15 minute walk away from where the gunman was.

On Monday, the day started off normally - I woke up at my usual time, went down to the local coffee shop with my laptop, answered a few emails, got some work done, etc. A little after 8:30am, I started making my way down towards the office where I worked when I saw people looking panicked and shuffling toward the metro to get out of South East DC. I wasn't quite sure why but I continued to walk deeper into SE when I finally got an email from my boss telling us to go back home and not to come near SE. That's when I started seeing police cars blocking off the roads of South Capitol Street (literally where my office building is located). I felt my whole body going numb - I was confused and afraid and suddenly I could understand the panic and chaos around me. I immediately searched on my phone trying to find out what was going on and of course, it was the first thing on every news outlet - "Gunman on Shooting Spree," the headlines said. "At Least Three Dead in Navy Yard."

I started running back towards the metro and took the train towards Maryland. I wanted to get as far away from DC as possible. I have a friend who lives in Shady Grove, Maryland and I ended up going to her place to talk. She also works in SE DC so she and I were in a similar predicament. We were both so scared and couldn't keep our eyes off the news.

By the end of the day, what was initially supposed to be one guy who killed three people turned out to be a former soldier who went on a rampage that resulted in the death of 13 people.

13 people, guys. 13 people who will not be returning home tonight. 13 people whose lives just ended unexpectedly. 13 people whose deaths blindsided the world. 13 people who I will be grieving tonight, even if the world isn't surprised by this kind of violence in the US.

I know this is cheesy and it's something people always say whenever something sad happens, but life is so precious. And what just really hits me is that that could have been ME! I was only 15 minutes away! And while I'm safe and sound, writing this post from the comfort of my home in my pajamas, people died today and the lives they touched will forever be changed. I wasn't in the Navy Yard yesterday and my life goes on. But it goes on knowing that I was simply lucky - perhaps not the narrowest of escapes, but it impacts me nonetheless.

So today, I will reflect on my life and how easily it could end and I hope you all will join me. My heart truly goes out to the victims and their families who were affected by this horrific tragedy and I pray my readers will all stay safe and well.

Thanks for reading. I promise tomorrow's blog post will be much happier and lighter! :]

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8 comments

Oh man. This post puts a lot in perspective-- thanks. Glad you are safe and so sad about all those who died. I am moving to D.C next week, so it was kind of a reminder of still how crazy this world is sometimes.

Yes heard the news but wow!!! that must have been pretty scary for you. Just dunno what the world as come into. But glad nothing happened to you. I also had a similar situation but i was very small that time. Walk into an ambush to some political leader and my friend sister was killed. It happened just next to the school where i was studying at that time :OThank you for sharing.Followed you, hope you will follow back.RegardsPatchoulii-Flog

What sad horrible news, my thoughts and prayers go out to their families. Your post very heartfelt and caring and so true that life is definitely precious. It's so sad but true that people in the world don't find it shocking anymore, it's so sad that it is no longer breaking news because it's so common but yet so preventable. I hope it changes very soon.

I hope that you are okay and not too shaken by everything.With Love, Lucy xxx

i got goosebumps reading your post deborah :( i heard about this incident this morning and was sadden about it but reading your own experience and how close you were to it is another thing. i would be very scared if i were in your position. im glad your okay. and sending my prayers to those who were affected and their families.

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Welcome to my blog! I'm Deborah, a Washington, DC girl with her nose in a book, feet in stilettos, and a coffee cup in her hand. Enjoy browsing!

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